“The most knowledgeable of my Ummah in matters of halal and haram is Mu’adh ibn Jabal.”
-Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) (Tirmidhi)
Knowledge is Power.
That is, the right kind of knowledge.
Among the noble companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), one name stands out when it comes to deep understanding of the Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence — Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA).
A man whose knowledge, piety, and leadership earned him the recognition of the Prophet (ﷺ) Himself, Mu’adh (RA) remains a beacon for anyone seeking to grow in faith and wisdom.
Early Life and Embrace of Islam
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA) was among the early converts to Islam from the Ansar of Madinah.
He (RA) accepted Islam at a young age, displaying maturity beyond his years and a heart drawn to truth.
He (RA) participated in the Second Pledge of Aqabah, committing himself to support the Prophet (ﷺ) even before the Hijrah.
A Mind for Knowledge, A Heart for Allah
Mu’adh (RA) quickly became one of the most dedicated students of the Prophet (ﷺ).
He (RA) excelled in memorising the Qur’an and mastering its meanings.
The Prophet (ﷺ) personally entrusted him (RA) to teach others, even at a young age, appointing him as a teacher and governor to various communities.
His (RA) command over fiqh (Islamic law) and his understanding of halal and haram made him a reference point for many.
His (RA) Appointment to Yemen
One of the most significant events in Mu’adh’s (RA) life was when the Prophet (ﷺ) sent him to Yemen as a judge and teacher.
Before parting, the Prophet (ﷺ) told him:
“O Mu’adh, perhaps you will not see me after this year, perhaps you will pass by my mosque and my grave.”
Mu’adh wept deeply, realising the weight of the farewell.
Legacy
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA) passed away in the year 18 AH, during the plague of Amwas in the Levant.
But His (RA) impact lives on.
He (RA) left behind generations of scholars, inspired by his dedication to knowledge and spiritual refinement.
His (RA) life teaches us that true knowledge is not just memorisation — it is the application of wisdom with sincerity.
Application Today
Mu’adh (RA) was upright and dedicated to the truth, Islam.
He (RA) sought knowledge to help Himself (RA) and others.
But, in order to help others, we must build ourselves first.
If you want to heal people, you must go to medical school.
If you want to donate a lot of money to charity, you must attain wealth.
If you want to protect others, you must develop your strength.
Like Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recognised the knowledge Mu’adh (RA) had after he attained it, we must also strive towards self-development.
Then the respect, titles, money and more importantly, the positive impact we have on others will be evident.
Final Reflection
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA) embodied what it means to be a student of the Qur’an and a servant of Allah (SWT).
In an age of distractions, his (RA) story reminds us of the power of consistency and determination.
May Allah (SWT) bless us with the knowledge and righteous intentions of Mu’adh (RA).
Ameen!